A former professional football player who was diagnosed with blood cancer has advised others to seek medical attention if they notice strange symptoms.
In 2022, Darren Oxbrow, 54, who had previously played for Colchester United, Maidstone United, and Ipswich Town, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Mr. Oxbrow claimed that realising something was off came when he started to feel “not himself” while on vacation.
He went on to say: “Men need to admit when there’s something not quite right.”
Mr. Oxbrow encouraged others to “make a call” in that circumstance. He is currently employed by Suffolk Youth Justice Service.
“You know if you don’t feel 100% – you know there’s something not quite right,” he stated.
“That’s when you need to go and get that help.”One kind of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system is non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“You never expect it to happen to yourself, especially after living a healthy, fit life without any problems,” he remarked.
“All of a sudden you get hit by something like this.”
The former Barnet and Kettering Town player, who was also a central defender, was checked multiple times.
The thin blue line, the Stones, and the Blues
“I was short of energy but couldn’t put a finger on it,” he stated. “I just didn’t feel myself and, when you have lived in your body for 50 years, you know when something is different.”
He was advised to visit the Woolverstone Unit at Ipswich Hospital and was given an incurable cancer diagnosis.
Days leading up to Christmas
The news was delivered to my spouse and me three days prior to Christmas. It was utterly disastrous. “You have blood cancer and you will have it for life,” is what you initially hear.
“All of these thoughts cross your mind as soon as you hear that word. What effect does it have? To what extent is it bad? What harm will the cancer cause to me?
“Having to inform my loved ones and family was a difficult process. Having to relate to all of my children was a big deal. It was really difficult to tell them that their father would be sick for a while.”
The “fighting spirit” he acquired during his football career, according to Mr. Oxbrow, who is married to Kate and has four children: Ellen, Will, Lucy, and Jemima, helped him deal.
“I’ve always been a bit of a fighter and determined – and I think that that holds you in good stead,” said the man.
“It’s true that attitude and optimism have a significant impact. Throughout the whole process, I’ve made an effort to remain as optimistic as possible.”
From September to February, Mr. Oxbrow received chemotherapy, and he reported making a “good recovery”.
A “incredible” raffle of a signed Ipswich Town shirt has been set up to raise funds for the Woolverstone Unit. Mr Oxbrow described the event.
After starting his eight-year professional career at the Suffolk club in 1988, Mr. Oxbrow said he was still a devoted Ipswich Town fan.
The club’s accomplishments this year, he claimed, have had a “huge difference”.
“Even my consultant is a massive Ipswich Town fan,” he stated.
“We would talk about Town when I was discussing my treatments with him. It affects every region. This town greatly values Ipswich Town.
“Just picture us sitting here at the top of the Championship with a full house at every game ten years ago.
“There is an intense electric atmosphere. It’s amazing.”
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